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Oral Exam
The ground portion of a practical test in which a Designated Pilot Examiner questions the applicant on knowledge and risk management before or alongside the flight portion. Oral prep typically covers weather, airspace, aircraft systems, regulations, and scenario-based decision-making tied to the ACS.
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Learn more in Private Pilot License →Related Terms
- Outlook BriefingA Flight Service weather briefing used for early planning when departure is six hours or more away. An outlook briefing highlights whether a weather system or broad hazard may affect the flight, but it is not a substitute for a standard or abbreviated briefing closer to departure.
- P-FactorAsymmetric propeller thrust that appears at a high angle of attack when the descending blade takes a bigger bite of air than the ascending blade. In a typical U.S. trainer with a clockwise-rotating propeller, P-factor yaws the nose left and is one of the four left-turning tendencies corrected with right rudder in the climb.
- PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator)A visual approach slope indicator system using a row of light units beside the runway to show whether the aircraft is above, on, or below the desired glide path. A disabled or NOTAMed PAPI can change a night or VFR approach plan.
- Part 141Title 14 CFR Part 141 — the FAA regulation governing pilot schools that operate under an FAA-approved curriculum. Part 141 schools offer structured training programs that may allow students to complete certificates with fewer minimum flight hours.